by VIC SAVINO
Situated on the former Kapyong Barracks lands in Winnipeg, the lands now known as Naawi-Oodena represent a transformative vision for the Treaty One First Nations as well as the broader Manitoba region. This groundbreaking development project bridges the past and future by combining economic opportunity with cultural preservation. As progress continues on this multi-phase, multi-decade development, Naawi-Oodena has captured the attention of stakeholders from a diverse range of sectors, including real estate, tech, retail, health, and the general public.
The project is anchored by Treaty One Development Corporation’s mission to provide sustainable economic growth opportunities for the seven Treaty One First Nations — Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Peguis First Nation, Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation, Sagkeeng First Nation, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, and Swan Lake First Nation. It is an opportunity to not only create economic benefits for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members alike, but also to strengthen First Nation identity and connections to the land.
“Naawi-Oodena is about more than bricks and mortar,” explains Kathleen BlueSky, CEO of the Treaty One Development Corporation. “It’s about creating a living legacy for our people, grounded in our values, history, and aspirations for the future.”
One of the exciting milestones is the ongoing development taking place on Block A, located on the northeast corner of Kenaston Blvd. and Taylor Ave. As the first phase of construction, Block A is the future home of the Treaty One Business Park and will be developed entirely by the Treaty One Development Corporation. Infrastructure is currently being installed and the first build — the Oodena Gas Bar — has begun (and projected to be completed by March 2025), with plans to also include two strip malls and an office complex.
Outside of Block A, future plans for the remaining four parcels include a wide range of commercial and residential developments, as well as cultural, educational, health, and event facilities. For the Treaty One Nations, Naawi- Oodena is not just a development project — it’s a place where Winnipeg’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities can come together in harmony to live, work, and play in the vibrant community that is to come.
The development promises to inject billions of dollars into the local economy through direct investments and job creation. Once fully realized, Naawi-Oodena will feature numerous commercial shops and services, designed to cater not just to residents but also to visitors from surrounding areas. With anticipated spin-off benefits across Manitoba, this community is expected to attract a variety of businesses, from small, local enterprises to larger retailers and service providers.
As projects move forward, Naawi-Oodena reflects a forward-looking vision in urban planning and real estate, offering a sustainable model that integrates environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and social inclusivity into all aspects of its design. Its strategic location within one of Winnipeg’s most affluent neighbourhoods ensures it will serve as a central hub for local businesses and families alike, while respecting the history of the land and its people.
In BlueSky’s words, “This is just the
beginning of something much larger — an opportunity to build an inclusive and vibrant future for generations to come.”
For more information and to view the Naawi-Oodena Master Plan, please visit treaty1.ca